Grand Duke Stresses Need for Solidarity, Cooperation in Christmas Speech

Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg emphasised the need for solidarity and cooperation in finding solutions to global challenges in his traditional speech on Christmas Eve.

The Grand Duke began his speech, broadcast on Sunday 24 December 2023, with the words "Faster, higher, stronger - together", making reference both to the Olympic motto and to developments over the past year.

He mentioned in particular the war in Ukraine and in the Middle East, as well as "worsening" climate change and the increasing number of refugees. Such developments have in turn contributed to challenges such as increasing prices and an economic slow-down. The Grand Duke also acknowledged the spread of precariousness and thus called for solidarity.

The Grand Duke also addressed the opportunities and challenges associated with techological advances, such as artificial intelligence.

He went on to acknowledge the "privilege" of living in an "open democracy that guarantees freedom of thought".

He later added that it was only through cooperation that we would find solutions to today's global problems: "We will only find these solutions if we manage to join our efforts and work together, without selfishness, without ulterior motives".

Speaking about the multicultural nature of Luxembourg, Grand Duke Henri said that he was "happy to live in a country that welcomes people from 180 countries", acknowledging efforts to preserve Luxembourg's "own identity" but also the country's "openness" to the world and the benefits this brings. He went on to thank cross-border workers for their contribution.

Coming back to the importance of cooperation, the Grand Duke reflected on his experience at the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 28) in Dubai. He noted that technology could help advance efforts in this area "but it is also up to each of us to make our contribution [...] to a sustainable future", ensuring that future generations can live "in peace and dignity."

Towards the end of his speech, Grand Duke Henri looked ahead to 2024, mentioning once again the Olympic Games and his hope that "the Olympic Truce becomes a reality, that dialogue, solidarity, mutual respect and tolerance regain the upper hand".

He described Christmas as "the festival of love and peace" and wished everyone, on behalf of the Grand Ducal family, a "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!"